Wheat pennies, officially called Lincoln Wheat Cents, are small treasures hidden in plain sight. These coins, minted between 1909 and 1958, may seem ordinary, but some are worth thousands—or even up to $100,000. Knowing which coins to look for could turn a forgotten penny in your pocket into a windfall.
What are wheat pennies?
Wheat pennies are U.S. one-cent coins that feature a pair of wheat stalks on the reverse side, framing the words “ONE CENT.” Designed by Victor David Brenner, they were introduced in 1909 to celebrate the centennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. While most wheat pennies are common, some specific dates and errors make certain coins incredibly valuable.
Why are some wheat pennies worth so much?
The value of a wheat penny depends on factors like rarity, condition, and demand. Rare minting errors, limited production runs, or unique historical significance can make a penny highly desirable to collectors. For example, coins with mistakes—like missing mint marks or doubled images—are often worth much more than their face value.
Most valuable wheat pennies to look out for
Here are some of the rarest and most valuable wheat pennies:
- 1909-S VDB Wheat Penny
- Only 484,000 were minted.
- Features the initials “VDB” (Victor David Brenner) on the reverse side.
- Value: Starts at $700, even in poor condition.
- 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny
- Most 1943 pennies were made of steel due to a wartime copper shortage.
- A few were mistakenly minted in bronze.
- Value: Can exceed $100,000 at auction.
- 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Wheat Penny
- The image of Abraham Lincoln appears doubled due to a die error.
- Value: Starts at $1,100 but increases with condition.
- 1922 “Plain” Wheat Penny
- Produced in Denver, but missing the “D” mint mark.
- Value: Starts around $500, depending on quality.
- 1914-D Wheat Penny
- Only 1.2 million were minted, making it rare.
- Value: Starts at $175 in lower grades.
- 1931-S Wheat Penny
- Just 866,000 were minted, making it a key date for collectors.
- Value: Begins at $80 but can rise significantly with condition.
How to check if your penny is valuable
This is what to do:
- Check the date and mint mark: Determine the year and the small letter below the date (S, D, or no mark). Rare dates and minting errors add value.
- Examine the condition: Coins in better condition are worth more. Coins that are uncirculated or lightly circulated tend to fetch higher prices.
- Use a magnifying glass: Check for details like doubling of letters, missing mint marks, or unusual textures.
- Consult a professional: A numismatist or coin dealer can appraise your coin’s value accurately.
Where to sell your wheat pennies
If you have a valuable wheat penny, here are some options for selling it:
- Auction houses: Coins like the 1943 Bronze Penny often perform best at high-profile auctions.
- Coin dealers: You can allow local coin dealers to have a look at your coin and sell it off for you.
- Online marketplaces: Platforms like eBay allow you to reach a wide audience, but be cautious of scams.
Why you should check your change
Wheat pennies could be hiding in plain sight—they could be among your spare change. So check your pockets, coin jars, and old collections. You might find one of these pennies worth a small fortune.
